Cold Work Tool Steels
Cold work tool steels are a special class of high-carbon and high-alloy steels, named after their use in mechanical processes, such as stamping, punching, shearing, rolling, blanking and forging. They are generally characterized by their hardenable nature, good wear properties, and high tensile strength.
Cold work tool steels have a wide range of compositions and are suitable for a variety of applications, from general use to special purpose, such as die-casting, cutting tools and automotive components. The special alloying elements of these steels contribute to their unique properties, such as toughness, hardenability, ductility and wear-resistance at elevated temperatures. They include air-hardening types such as AISI 01, AISI D2, AISI M2, AISI S7 and AISI H13, as well as oil-hardening types such as AISI O1 and AISI W1.
AISI 01 is a cold-work tool steel with a mix of manganese, molybdenum and carbon. It is a general purpose grade with excellent cutting properties and is suitable for a variety of forming and blanking applications. AISI D2 is an air-hardening tool steel containing high levels of chromium, molybdenum and carbon. It is a heat treatable alloy with excellent wear resistance and is commonly used for dies requiring long production runs and tooling components such as punches and shear blades.
AISI M2 is an air-hardening alloy with high levels of chromium and molybdenum. It is a wear resistant and shock resistant grade with excellent grindability and high toughness. AISI S7 is an air-hardening grade containing high levels of chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and carbon. It is an excellent alloy for shock and wear resistance, as well as for hardening to a good degree of hardness.
AISI H13 is an oil-hardening tool steel containing high levels of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium. It is a general purpose grade developed for wear resistance and toughness. AISI O1 is an oil-hardening tool steel with high levels of manganese, molybdenum and carbon. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from general use to highly specialized cutting tools and dies requiring long production runs.
AISI W1 is an oil-hardening alloy steel containing high levels of carbon and tungsten. It is suitable for high-speed cutting tools and wear-resistant dies such as punches and chisels. All of the previously mentioned grades of cold work tool steels have specific applications and uses, depending on the properties and requirements of each component or part being formed.
In conclusion, cold work tool steels are an essential component in the manufacturing of a wide variety of components and parts, from cutting tools and dies to car parts. Each grade of steel provides specific advantages and applications and is chosen based on the desired properties and performance needs of a component.
